Disclaimer: Don't own either Rwby or Type Moon. So enjoy or don't
Chapter 66: A Family Gathering
Following the conclusion of the day's escort mission, Jacques Schnee extended a formal invitation to Team RWBY, JNPR, Shirou, and General Ironwood to join him for an evening meal at the Schnee estate. The proposal, initially met with hesitation by Weiss, was ultimately accepted as she discerned an unfamiliar sincerity in her father's tone.
Upon arrival, the grandiose façade of the Schnee Mansion loomed before them, its imposing structure illuminated by the evening lights. As they stepped through the threshold, they were greeted by Klein, his warm smile a stark contrast to the mansion's austere elegance.
"Ah! My little snowflake returns! And with such esteemed company!" Klein exclaimed, his voice brimming with delight as he ushered them inside. "It has been far too long, Miss Weiss."
Weiss felt a wave of nostalgia at the butler's unchanging affection. "It's good to see you too, Klein."
The dining hall was a portrait of opulence, a long table meticulously set with the finest silverware and porcelain. At the head sat Jacques, flanked by Willow and Whitley, awaiting their guests with poised composure.
"Please," Jacques gestured as they took their seats, "tonight is a dinner among family and friends. Let us set aside formalities."
The atmosphere balanced between refinement and an emerging warmth. Jacques, to the astonishment of many, actively engaged in conversation, expressing a genuine curiosity about Weiss's compatriots. Ruby enthusiastically shared their escapades, while Nora interspersed her narrative with animated embellishments that earned more than a few laughs. Jaune, maintaining measured politeness, cast wary glances at Jacques, though the latter appeared more amused than imposing.
Blake, characteristically reserved, responded when addressed, notably during an exchange with Willow, who exhibited an authentic interest in her background and heritage. The dialogue, to Weiss's quiet relief, remained civil, evoking a sense of ease she had rarely experienced in her childhood home.
As the main course progressed, Shirou, having observed the discourse with quiet contemplation, finally spoke. "Jacques, there's something I've been meaning to ask. What do you remember from before the exorcism?"
An immediate silence fell over the room. Jacques, momentarily caught off guard, exhaled slowly before composing himself.
"It is not a memory I have often dared to revisit," he admitted, his voice subdued. "Kirei Kotomine… he took control of my limousine, redirecting me to a remote warehouse. I recall his voice, but not the full meaning of his words. Then—darkness. When I awoke, I was not the same. It was as if my own will had been eclipsed, replaced by another's influence. From that moment, my choices—my very essence—became tainted. Yet, regardless of that external control, I cannot absolve myself of what followed."
His gaze fell, his expression weighted by regret. For the first time, Jacques Schnee had acknowledged, in the presence of his family, the insidious manipulation that had dictated his past actions.
Turning to Shirou, Jacques spoke with an uncharacteristic sincerity. "You severed that control. You restored to me that which I had long forfeited: autonomy. And for that, you have my profound gratitude."
Shirou, ever modest, shook his head. "I simply did what was right."
"Perhaps. But to me, it was far more than that." Jacques leaned back slightly, considering his next words. "Allow me to repay this debt."
Shirou raised a skeptical brow. "That's unnecessary."
Jacques merely smiled. "Weiss has informed me of your impending engagement with Miss Belladonna. Allow me the honor of covering all arrangements. Consider it a gift."
Blake blinked at the unexpected proposition, while Shirou visibly hesitated. "That's really not—"
Jacques lifted a hand, his smirk betraying an underlying amusement. "I insist."
Shirou sighed, resigned. "If you insist."
"Excellent." Jacques's tone was almost triumphant. "When is your next free evening?"
After exchanging a glance with Blake, Shirou reluctantly answered, "Next week."
Jacques inclined his head, satisfied. "Then leave everything to me. I assure you, it will be an evening neither of you will forget."
Weiss's narrowed gaze conveyed a familiar suspicion. "You're planning something."
Jacques merely took a measured sip of wine, his silence a tacit confirmation.
As the evening drew to a close, the guests expressed their appreciation for the hospitality extended. At the threshold, Jacques, Willow, and Whitley bid them farewell.
Weiss hesitated, then turned to her father. "Tonight… was unexpected. But it was nice."
Jacques nodded. "I hope this is but the beginning."
On the way back, Ruby nudged Weiss with a grin. "Who would've thought your dad could be… nice?"
Yang smirked. "And deeply invested in Shirou and Blake's relationship."
Blake sighed. "This is going to be a disaster, isn't it?"
Shirou groaned. "Absolutely."
Back within the confines of the Schnee estate, Jacques retreated to his study, where Klein awaited him.
"Preparations?" Jacques inquired.
Klein, his ever-present smile intact, nodded. "Everything is proceeding as planned, sir."
Jacques's smirk deepened. "Good. If he has done so much for my family, the least I can do is ensure this night is one he will never forget."
Jacques took a final sip of his drink, his gaze drifting toward the window where the city lights of Atlas flickered in the distance. There was something poetic, he mused, about this moment. The beginning of something new—a tentative, unspoken reconciliation with his daughter, the recognition of his past failings, and an opportunity to repay a debt not just in words but in action. And if, in the process, he could orchestrate an evening that left Shirou thoroughly flustered, well… that was simply an added benefit.
"Klein," he said, placing his glass down. "Let's make this a night to remember."
Klein chuckled. "Indeed, sir."